HARMONY SANTANA
I just returned from attending a screening of an excellent film: GUN HILL ROAD. The screening was in conjunction with the Film Independent Spirit Awards. I had seen the trailer for the movie last summer or so and could tell it was indeed a film I'd want to see. The story revolves around the homecoming of an ex-con to a wife who had found someone new and a teenage son who longed to be a teenage daughter. Needless to say, the ex-con and his son don't quite see eye to eye.
Esai Morales, as the father, infuses his role with emotional depth that I know measures a hundred feet deep! I felt for this man on soooo many levels. Even when he wasn't making the wisest decisions I rooted for him. Judy Reyes, of SCRUBS fame, portrayed the committed wife of the ex-con and the lovingly understanding mother of the effeminate son. Now, that brings us to the son. Whoa!! Newcomer, HARMONY SANTANA, who is an actual, transgender woman, brought a tender, yet in-your-face reality to her character that I truly doubt even the greatest biological, female actress could muster. And, yes, that includes the mighty Meryl Streep. Although I'd love to see Meryl take a whack at it. All in all, this film, along with PARIAH, are my two, favorite films of the year thus far. I might even have to break down and buy myself a copy of both!!!
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